Top Recruits Who Will Be Impacted by Result of Ohio State-Penn State Game

Ohio State heads to Happy Valley this weekend for a Saturday night showdown with conference rival Penn State. The Nittany Lions continue to embark on a new era as head coach James Franklin matches up against Urban Meyer for the first time in blue and white.

The matchup has major Big Ten implications, with Penn State attempting to snap a two-game losing streak and Ohio State searching for its fifth straight victory. These programs regularly battle beyond the football field, routinely crossing paths in recruiting endeavors. 

Plenty of prospects will be paying close attention when action kicks off, and several will be in attendance for the matchup. Here's a rundown of key recruits who should be watching with great interest.

3-Star QB Tommy Stevens (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Credit: 247Sports

Quarterback suddenly became a position of need in Penn State's 2015 class when 4-star prospect Brandon Wimbush flipped to Notre Dame two weeks ago. The question became whether Franklin would chose to focus on landing a top-tier 2016 passer or fill the spot with another player before signing day.

The team revealed its intentions by offering Tommy Stevens, a 6'4" 200-pound prospect from Indianapolis. After seeing its premier pledge depart for another program, Penn State now aims to swipe Stevens away from Big Ten opponent Indiana, which landed his commitment in June.

Stevens is having an exceptional season, displaying dual-threat talent. He has 1,500 passing yards, 700 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns though nine games, per MaxPreps.

The Decatur Central High School star was admittedly flattered by the Nittany Lions offer.

“It makes me feel really good," Stevens told Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports. "They told me numerous times they think I’m the best quarterback in the Midwest. It’s an incredible offer to have.”

The team quickly persuaded him to take an official visit to Happy Valley this weekend. If Franklin has his way, Indiana will lose its quarterback commitment in the coming days. 

4-Star OL Emanuel McGirt (Durham, North Carolina)

Credit: 247Sports

Emanuel McGirt is a massive offensive tackle prospect from Hillside High School, where he received a visit from Penn State offensive recruiting coordinator John Gattis last week, according to Ryan Fitz of 247Sports (subscription required). The 6'6", 275-pound senior is a late riser on the Nittany Lions' board and received an offer earlier his month.

He is expected to spend Saturday in Happy Valley. The university is a bit of an outlier for a player who is primarily being pursued by Southeast programs. 

McGirt decommitted from North Carolina this summer, though, the Tar Heels remain in the mix for his services. Other top contenders include North Carolina State and Georgia, where he used an official visit in August. 

Penn State has made the offensive line a priority during this cycle, and McGirt fits the bill for what Franklin is attempting to find up front. He is also expected to visit Virginia Tech next month.

4-Star 2016 DE Ron Johnson and 4-Star 2016 WR Brad Hawkins (Camden, New Jersey)

Credit: Tyler Donohue

Consider this Camden High School duo as a possibility on the game-day guest list. Brad Hawkins told me earlier this week they plan to visit Penn State if things time out correctly, as Camden plays Saturday afternoon. 

The receiver, rated 34th nationally among players at the position in 247Sports' composite rankings, plans to pursue a package deal with Ron Johnson at the next level. Penn State or Ohio State could eventually land the pair, though, their common offers also include the likes of South Carolina, Rutgers and Virginia Tech.

Johnson is the son of a former Wisconsin player and rated 14th nationally among weak-side defensive ends in 247Sports' composite rankings. He traveled to Ohio State last weekend with Hawkins and watched the Buckeyes rout Rutgers. 

Both prospects have been impressive this season, leading Camden to a 6-0 start. Hawkins has 34 receptions for 506 yards and eight touchdowns, while Johnson paces the team with 49 tackles and six sacks, per MaxPreps.

4-Star OL Matthew Burrell (Woodbridge, Virginia)

Credit: 247Sports

Matthew Burrell has sat near the top Penn State's target board for a long time, and this weekend's official visit is Franklin's best opportunity to sell the 6'5" 302-pound prospect on his program. However, the Nittany Lions aren't the only team vying for his attention Saturday evening.

He spent an official visit at Ohio State earlier this season and still considers the Buckeyes an option. Urban Meyer may not be his host this time around, but you can be sure he's aware of Burrell's presence. 

Burrell, who earned All-Met honors from The Washington Post as a junior, is rated fifth nationally among offensive guards in 247Sports' composite rankings.

He's double-dipping with campus visits this weekend. Burrell stopped by Virginia Tech on Thursday night to watch the Hokies host Miami. 

Florida State and Florida also remain on his radar. If he heads north for college, the destination will be either Penn State or Ohio State.

5-Star 2016 DT Rashan Gary (Paramus, New Jersey)

Credit: 247Sports

Rashan Gary is arguably the best junior prospect in America, evidenced by an outstanding first season with New Jersey powerhouse Paramus Catholic High School. I had the opportunity to attend his team's game against Bergen Catholic earlier this month, and he dominated, racking up six sacks and a defensive touchdown. 

"I'm playing my best football right now," he told me afterward.

The 6'4", 285-pound playmaker provides a disruptive interior force and is athletic enough to make a difference along the perimeter. He is rated the No. 1 defensive tackle in the 2016 class and was the only junior lineman invited to The Opening, an elite football showcase held this summer at Nike's world head quarters. 

Gary has drawn offers from dozens of schools across the country. His top contenders include Ohio State and Penn State, making this one of the most meaningful campus visits at this stage of his high-profile recruitment.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.